Switch to an accessible version of this website which is easier to read. (requires cookies)

Lib Dems to shun flawed Iraq inquiry

February 3, 2004 12:00 AM

Charles Kennedy, leader of the Liberal Democrats, has told the Prime Minister that the Liberal Democrats will not participate in the proposed inquiry to be chaired by Lord Butler. Mr Kennedy wrote to the Prime Minister yesterday, regarding both the make-up and the remit of the inquiry.

Mr Kennedy's key requirement was that the inquiry should not only investigate the quality of intelligence which was provided to the Government in the build-up to the Iraq war, but the judgements which were made by the politicians about those intelligence assessments.

Speaking after the announcement in the House of Commons that the inquiry would go ahead, Mr Kennedy said:

"It is a matter of regret that the Liberal Democrats are unable to participate."

"My party has been asking for an independent inquiry into the controversial aspects of the build up to our participation in the Iraq war for many months. I have frequently said that Lord Hutton's remit was too narrow. The remit for this new inquiry is equally unacceptable. An inquiry which excludes politicians from scrutiny is unlikely to command public confidence. Politicians should always be willing to answer for their judgement and their competence to the public."

"There is now widespread public disbelief about the stated reasons for our participation in the war in Iraq. That disbelief is undermining public trust in the office of the Prime Minister. The way to re-establish that trust would be to have an inquiry which addresses the key questions directly and openly. It does not seem to me that this inquiry will be able to do that."

"I shall continue to challenge the Government about these matters, as I and my party have been doing consistently over many months. We seek the answers the public is also seeking. I am not satisfied that this inquiry will satisfy those concerns."

What would you like to do next?

  • Subscribe for updates

    Read updates from this website in your desktop or online news reader

    • On a news reader website

      •  
      •  
      •  

      In a desktop news reader or a website not listed above

      •  
    • Example monthly digest email
      •  
      •  
      •  

    • If you submit your contact details, Stephen Williams MP, the Liberal Democrats, and their elected representatives may use the information you provide to contact you about issues you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of these contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image

    Join our email list

    • If you submit your contact details, Stephen Williams MP, the Liberal Democrats, and their elected representatives may use the information you provide to contact you about issues you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of these contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image

    Follow the party's activity on...

  • Share this page

    Share this page on another website

    Link to this page

    On websites and printed material:
    stephenwilliams.org.uk/en/article/2004/056841/lib-dems-to-shun-flawed-iraq-inquiry
    In text messages, Twitter, or reading over the phone:
    stw.lib.dm/a12qn

    Email this page to a friend


    • Generate different image

    Print this page

  • Help out or donate

    Help out in your local area

      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  

    • If you submit your contact details, Stephen Williams MP, the Liberal Democrats, and their elected representatives may use the information you provide to contact you about issues you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of these contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image

    Join the Liberal Democrats

  • Tell us what you think

    Send us your views

    If you are a resident of the Bristol West constituency and are writing to discuss any issue that Parliament or government is responsible for, you must provide your home address as MPs are generally only permitted to act on behalf of constituents.

    If you are not a constituent, you do not need to provide your address, but the matters we can deal with are more limited and you may wish to contact your local MP in the first instance.

    • If you agree, Stephen Williams MP, the Liberal Democrats, and their elected representatives may use the information you provide to contact you about issues you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of these contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image

    Contact us by email, post, or phone